With America’s birthday just in our rearview mirror, we thought we’d take the time to share and celebrate some of our favorite US based pet products. Not only do many of these companies create their products in the US, but they almost all do their part in giving back to the community.
Next time you’re out shopping for a new product for your furry friend, take a look at some of these USA made brands.
Merrick
Merrick Pet Care has been committed to providing high quality ingredients since 1988. The company was founded over 30 years ago in Garth Merrick’s family kitchen in Hereford, Texas with hopes of feeding the most wholesome and nutritious meals to his beloved dog, Gracie.
To this day, Merrick still crafts and tastes every recipe in Garth’s original kitchen using fresh, whole food ingredients from farmers they know and love. Merrick also gives back to local and national organizations such as K9s For Warriors, Tree House Humane Society, and local animal shelters.
GREENIES
A little over 20 years ago , GREENIES was started in North Kansas City, Missouri in hopes of creating a treat that would help make founders Joe and Judi Roetheli’s pet Ivan’s breath smell better. They developed a mixture of wheat, chlorophyll, vegetable oil, and other edible foods to serve to Ivan and within days his teeth were clean and his bad breath odor was gone.
They later went full speed ahead with bringing their product to the markets and in 2006 were bought by Mars Petcare. They continue to use all American based ingredients to make their green dental chew products right here in the United States.
Nylabone
Since 1955, Nylabone has been making chew toys, chew treats, play toys and dental solutions for dogs of every breed. All of their products are designed and tested in the USA to follow pet food safety standards.
According to Nylabone research, pet problems like destructive chewing and aggressive behavior are the reason why 47% of dogs are given up by their owners. Nylabone is helping combat this problem in the US by donating over $500,000 worth of dog chews to over 500 shelters.
KONG
KONG was created in 1970 by a man named Joe Markham who had a dog named Fritz that loved to destroy everything in sight; however, there was one thing he could never tear apart – a snowman shaped rubber part of Markham’s Volkswagen Bus.
From here, the KONG Classic dog toy was created to meet the instinctual needs of dogs to chew and play. With interest and demand on the rise, Markham set up shop in Golden, Colorado and it is still known as their “World Headquarters” today.
Tropiclean
Since 1992, Tropiclean has been creating natural grooming products for pets of all shapes and sizes. Tropiclean is another product made in the USA, headquartered in St. Peters, Missouri.
While some of their all natural ingredients are from other countries such as fruits and minerals, Tropiclean continues to stay true to its midwest roots.
Zukes Natural Pet Treats
Zuke’s was founded back in 1995 in Durango, Colorado while their founder, Patrick, was on a hike with his dog, Zuke. He gave some of his energy bar to his dog on a hike and came to the realization that dogs need healthy treats to keep them going.
For the past 26 years, Zuke’s has remained dedicated to creating healthy, natural dog treats with the Earth’s best ingredients. Fun fact, all of Zuke’s packaging features pictures of people and their pups enjoying the outdoors near Zuke’s headquarters in Durango, Colorado.
When you choose to buy pet products that are made in the United States, you’re benefiting more than just your pet. You are getting a quality product that supports the economy and keeps American businesses alive.
These American companies follow strict safety and quality standards that US manufacturers have to abide by. Supporting these companies means you are putting money back into local communities, making it possible for them to support initiatives in your own neighborhood.
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